Sen. Jeff Tate

Maddy summarySB 2025 appropriates $4,154,101 in state funds for the Mississippi State Board of Pharmacy to cover fiscal year 2026 expenses (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). The bill allocates $2,799,541 specifically for "Personal Services" (employee salaries, wages, and fringe benefits), including $354,951 designated to fill existing vacancies without increasing headcount beyond 21 authorized positions. It requires the Board to meet strict performance targets, such as processing 100% of licenses within 10 business days and resolving 100% of complaints within six months. The funding includes safeguards to prevent exceeding budget limits, ensure salaries meet state minimums, and mandate annual reporting on performance metrics to the legislature.

Maddy summarySB 2018 appropriates $330,227 from Mississippi’s state treasury to fund the State Board of Funeral Services for fiscal year 2026 (July 2025-June 2026). It specifically requires $135,614 of this amount to cover only staff salaries, wages, and benefits for the board’s two authorized positions, with strict rules preventing use for promotions, title changes, or exceeding budget limits. The bill mandates detailed accounting of all expenditures and prohibits transferring funds to other categories or using them to replace withdrawn federal funds. It also requires the board to comply with Mississippi’s salary plans and reporting standards, and gives preference to the Mississippi Industries for the Blind for certain purchases. This is a routine budget allocation with no policy changes, directly affecting the board’s staffing and financial operations.

Maddy summarySB 3272 extends the deadline for repealing Lauderdale County's hotel/motel tax, which funds tourism promotion, delaying its expiration. It revises the process for setting the tourism commission director's salary, requiring the commission to recommend a pay amount that the county board of supervisors must approve. The bill affects hotels and motels in Lauderdale County, which pay a 2.5% tax on room rentals (excluding food/laundry) to fund tourism activities. Proceeds from the tax, after a 3% collection fee, go to the county general fund for tourism programs, with separate accounting required.

Maddy summarySB 2741 establishes a licensing requirement for professional music therapists in Mississippi, effective January 1, 2026. It mandates that only licensed individuals may use titles implying they are professional music therapists, directly affecting practitioners and ensuring the public receives services from qualified providers. The bill creates a Music Therapy Advisory Committee to advise the State Department of Health, sets licensure qualifications, renewal rules, and disciplinary procedures, and requires all fees collected to fund a special state account. It defines "music therapy" as evidence-based clinical practice using music interventions within a therapeutic relationship, excluding diagnosis or screening. The legislation aims to protect public health by regulating the profession and ensuring service quality.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 153) is a ceremonial tribute to Clarke County Chief Deputy Sheriff Barry M. White for his 31 years of service with the Clarke County Sheriff's Office, including roles as 911 dispatcher, school resource officer, sergeant, and Chief Deputy. It does not create any new policy or affect any laws, programs, or individuals beyond expressing the Mississippi Senate's recognition of his retirement. The resolution formally commends his public service and legacy, with no concrete policy changes or obligations resulting from its passage. As a commemorative resolution, it serves solely to honor an individual's career.

Maddy summaryMississippi's bill SC 515 is a resolution applying for a constitutional convention under Article V of the U.S. Constitution to propose an amendment setting term limits for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The resolution specifies that Mississippi's application will count toward the two-thirds of states required to compel Congress to call such a convention, and it remains active until that threshold is met. This bill does not change current law but initiates a procedural step toward potentially amending the Constitution to limit congressional terms. It directs Mississippi's Secretary of State to transmit the resolution to Congress and other states to coordinate efforts on this specific issue.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally commends Madalyn Oliphant of Hickory, Mississippi, for being crowned Miss Mississippi Teen USA 2025. It recognizes her as the first African American contestant to represent Mississippi in the Teen USA National Competition and notes her upcoming participation in the national event. The resolution extends congratulations to Oliphant, acknowledges her academic pursuits as a pre-nursing student at East Central Community College, and directs that it be presented to her, her family, and the Miss Mississippi Teen USA organization. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact beyond public recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring World War II veteran John Wesley Henry of Canton, Mississippi, on his 105th birthday. It formally salutes his military service (1942-1945), his life as a community member, and his family legacy, including 12 children, 95 grandchildren, and 67 great-grandchildren. The resolution, adopted by the Mississippi Senate, extends birthday wishes to Mr. Henry and his family. It has no policy impact or financial provisions, serving solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 142) commending Jim Ellis for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for Mississippi State University baseball. It recognizes his role as "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs," highlighting his coverage of 11 College World Series appearances, SEC championships, and the 2021 national title. The resolution formally praises his service to MSU and the state, with no policy changes or direct impact on any laws or individuals beyond the ceremonial acknowledgment. It was adopted by the Mississippi Senate in April 2025.

Maddy summarySB 3034 allocates $1.2 million for the Dixie National Livestock Show and smaller sums for livestock events across Mississippi, including $64,890 for junior livestock shows, $15,000 for county shows (capped at $1,000 per county), $65,000 for district shows, $8,500 for state dairy shows, and $26,150 for high school rodeo promotions. The bill requires that 75% of district and dairy show funds go to 4-H and Smith-Hughes School participants, mandates proper facilities for county shows, and ensures equal prize distribution for comparable entries across shows. It specifies that funds must cover actual costs like prizes, judges, and facilities, with strict limits on county spending and show scheduling to avoid conflicts. This is a funding measure, not a policy change, directly affecting livestock exhibitors, 4-H members, and county agricultural associations.